By BRIAN DONALDPAUL APPLEBY, the former British featherweight boxing champion from South Queensferry, has signed a contract with fight promoter Frank W*****

Appleby is hoping to return to the ring in May, possibly in Liverpool, and said: "After my loss to Irishman Martin Lindsay, W***** will move me towards world titles once I've had some fights to regain my sharpness."

His coach, Terry McCormack, added: "Frank W***** will be looking to fast-track Paul back into title contention after he has had a few warm-up bouts."

Appleby's stablemate, welterweight John Thain, will clash with Kevin McAuley, of Halesowen, when he makes his professional debut on 12 March in Liverpool.